U.S. patent application number 12/469128 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-22 for compositions and methods for treating hair.
This patent application is currently assigned to Soane Labs, LLC. Invention is credited to Michael C. Berg, William A. Mowers, David S. Soane.
Application Number | 20100098652 12/469128 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39296049 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100098652 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Soane; David S. ; et
al. |
April 22, 2010 |
Compositions and Methods for Treating Hair
Abstract
Compositions and methods for treating hair are disclosed. Such
compositions and methods can be used to modify hair properties,
such as imparting and/or maintaining a level of softness or a
conditioning effect on hair. In general, such compositions can
utilize a copolymer having a plurality of polycationic segments,
which can be joined by various other polymeric segments such as
silicones and/or hydrophilic polymeric segments. The copolymer can
be formulated as a highly-branched polymer, which can add
substantivity to the hair to impart a conditioning effect. Various
details of such copolymers are discussed, as well as methods of
utilizing and making such copolymers.
Inventors: |
Soane; David S.; (Chestnut
Hill, MA) ; Berg; Michael C.; (Baltimore, MD)
; Mowers; William A.; (Ballston Spa, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NUTTER MCCLENNEN & FISH LLP
SEAPORT WEST, 155 SEAPORT BOULEVARD
BOSTON
MA
02210-2604
US
|
Assignee: |
Soane Labs, LLC
Cambridge
MA
|
Family ID: |
39296049 |
Appl. No.: |
12/469128 |
Filed: |
May 20, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/US07/24511 |
Nov 28, 2007 |
|
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|
12469128 |
|
|
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60867447 |
Nov 28, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/70.122 ;
528/38 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 2800/884 20130101;
A61K 8/893 20130101; A61Q 5/02 20130101; A61K 8/84 20130101; A61Q
5/12 20130101; A61K 2800/95 20130101; A61K 8/898 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/70.122 ;
528/38 |
International
Class: |
A61K 8/898 20060101
A61K008/898; A61Q 5/12 20060101 A61Q005/12; C08G 77/26 20060101
C08G077/26 |
Claims
1. A hair treatment composition for imparting a conditioning effect
to hair, comprising: a copolymer suitable for use in treating hair
comprising: (i) a plurality of aliphatic amine polymer segments,
each segment including a plurality of repeat units, each unit
including at least one amine group; and (ii) a first plurality of
silicone segments, each segment being attached to at least two
amine groups, each amine group being a part of a distinct aliphatic
amine polymer segment.
2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the plurality of aliphatic
amine polymer segments include at least one of polyalkyleneimine,
polyvinylamine, polyallylamine, polydiallylamine, and copolymers
thereof.
3-13. (canceled)
14. The composition of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of
silicone segments have an average molecular weight between about
500 Daltons and about 10,000 Daltons.
15. The composition of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of
softening segments for imparting softness to hair when the
copolymer is applied to hair, wherein each of the plurality of
softening segments is attached to only one aliphatic amine polymer
segment.
16-19. (canceled)
20. A hair treatment composition for imparting a conditioning
effect to hair, comprising: a copolymer suitable for use in
treating hair comprising: (i) a plurality of polycationic segments,
each segment including a plurality of repeat units, each unit
including at least one amine group; (ii) a first plurality of
silicone segments, each silicone segment being attached to at least
one amine group of any of the plurality of polycationic segments;
and (iii) a plurality of hydrophilic segments, each hydrophilic
segment being attached to at least one amine group of any of the
plurality of polycationic segments.
21. The composition of claim 20, wherein each of the first
plurality of silicone segments is attached to at least two amine
groups, each amine group being part of a distinct polycationic
segment.
22. The composition of claim 20, wherein the plurality of
polycationic segments include aliphatic amine polymer segments.
23-34. (canceled)
35. The composition of claim 20, wherein the composition includes a
shampoo agent for cleaning hair.
36-52. (canceled)
53. A method of treating hair, comprising: applying a copolymer to
the hair to impart a conditioning effect, the copolymer comprising:
(i) a plurality of polycationic segments, each segment including a
plurality of repeat units, each unit including at least one amine
group; and (ii) a plurality of silicone segments, each of the
segments being attached to at least one amine group of one
polycationic segment.
54. The method of claim 53, wherein the copolymer further
comprises: a plurality of hydrophilic segments for improving water
solubility or water dispersibility, each hydrophilic segment being
attached to at least one amine group of one polycationic
segment.
55. The method of claim 53, wherein the copolymer is not covalently
bonded to the hair.
56. The method of claim 53, wherein the step of applying the
copolymer comprises: forming a polymer mixture with the copolymer;
and contacting the polymer mixture with the hair.
57. The method of claim 56, wherein the polymer solution comprises
a non-aqueous solvent.
58. The method of claim 56, wherein the polymer mixture comprises
an aqueous solvent.
59. The method of claim 53, wherein the step of applying the
copolymer comprises: applying a plurality of polycations to the
hair, the polycations having a plurality of repeat units, each unit
including at least one amine group; introducing a mixture
comprising silicone polymers, each silicone polymer having at least
one functionality for reacting with an amine group of a polycation;
and reacting a silicone polymer with an amine group of a polycation
to form the copolymer on the hair.
60. The method of claim 59, wherein the step of applying the
copolymer further comprises: reacting a hydrophilic polymer with
another amine group of any of the plurality of polycations to
attach the hydrophilic polymer thereto.
61. The method of claim 59, wherein the step of applying the
plurality of polycations includes applying a plurality of branched
polycations onto the hair.
62. The method of claim 60, wherein the step of reacting the
silicone polymer includes at least one of heating the silicone
polymers and heating the polycations.
63. The method of claim 53, wherein the method imparts a
conditioning effect to the hair.
64. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition includes a
shampoo agent for cleaning hair.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of PCT Application No.
PCT/US2007/024511, filed Nov. 28, 2007, entitled "Compositions and
Methods for Treating Hair," which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application bearing Ser. No. 60/867,447 entitled
"Compositions and Methods for Treating Hair," filed on Nov. 28,
2006, the entire contents of both of which are hereby incorporated
herein by reference.
[0002] The present application is also related to an International
Patent Application bearing Application Number PCT/US06/041564,
entitled "COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR IMPARTING OIL REPELLENCY
AND/OR WATER REPELLENCY," filed on Oct. 23, 2006. The entire
contents of the international application are hereby incorporated
by reference herein.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0003] The technical field of this invention is directed toward
compositions that are potentially useful for treating hair, e.g.,
giving hair a conditioned effect.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Human hair naturally becomes soiled over the course of time
due to the sebum that is secreted by the head, as well as soil and
other atmospheric contaminants that accumulate on the hair and
scalp. Sebum begins to accumulate on the hair extremely fast,
leaving the hair with a greasy, dirty feel and at the same time
interferes with the control and manageability. It is well known to
those skilled in the art that the most effective shampoos for
cleansing the hair of the contaminants and sebum are those that
contain high lather and synthetic anionic detergents. The process
is very efficient at removal of unwanted contamination; however
after rinsing with water, the hair is left with what is termed a
dry touch or a "creak" in how the hair feels to the touch.
[0005] After a thorough cleaning, the hair is left in a state that
is difficult to manage and control, due to a tendency for the hair
in this state to form kinks, snarls, or physical entanglements with
one another. In this state, the hair can become tangled,
unmanageable, and difficult to comb in either the dry or wet state.
Another undesirable property that arises from this process is that
the hair is left in a bare and natural negatively charged state
that easily picks up static electricity, thus causing the hair to
become even more unmanageable. The hair is composed of amino acids
with a distribution that yields a net negative charge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Embodiments are directed to compositions and methods for
treating hair. Such compositions and methods can be used to modify
hair properties, such as imparting and/or maintaining a level of
softness or a conditioning effect on hair. In general, such
compositions can utilize a polymer (e.g., a copolymer having a
plurality of polycationic segments), which can be joined by various
other polymeric segments such as silicones and/or hydrophilic
polymeric segments. The polymer can be a highly-branched polymer,
which can add substantivity to the hair to impart a conditioning
effect.
[0007] The negative charge on hair can be used to physically and/or
electrostatically attract a conditioning agent to the hair after a
shampoo treatment. In general, a conditioning agent can be a
cationic entity. Accordingly, in some embodiments of the invention,
the cationic component is a polycation. The polymer can be
electrostatically attracted to the negatively charged hair and can
deposit to form a thin film surrounding the hair. This film can
have many beneficial traits. For example, as the polycation
deposits on the surface, it can form a uniform coating around the
hair. This coating can add weight to the hair, making it more
manageable and heavier, simulating a healthier, thicker set of hair
while at the same time, the film can impart a smooth surface on all
types of hair, including the natural surface morphology as well as
that obtained by chemical processing and damage. Smooth surfaces
can reflect light yielding a glossier and healthier looking hair.
Another benefit could be in UV blockers. By imparting a UV blocker
to the hair, the coating can act as protecting agent, which can
protect the hair from harmful UV radiation. Another beneficial
aspect of this type of conditioner is found in how the hair feels.
The addition of silicones to the coating can yield a softer touch
to the hair.
[0008] Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a
copolymer that can be used to treat hair. Such treatment can impart
a conditioning effect. The conditioning effect can remain after
washing the hair. The copolymers can include polycationic segments,
where each of the segments has multiple repeat units that each
include at least one amine group. Multiple segments, such as
polymeric segments, can be attached to the polycationic segments to
form a large copolymer molecule that can be highly-branched, with a
high molecular weight (e.g., the copolymer has a molecular weight
greater than about 200,000 Daltons). In some embodiments, about 2%
to about 40% of the amine groups of a polycationic segment are
reacted with another segment, such as a silicone segment (e.g., a
silicone segment having multiple functionalities for reacting with
amine groups), a hydrophilic segment, or a combination of silicone
and hydrophilic segments.
[0009] In some embodiments, the copolymer includes a plurality of
silicone segments. The silicone segments can be attached to one,
two, or more distinct polycationic segments. The copolymer can
also, or alternatively, include a plurality of hydrophilic
segments, where each hydrophilic segment can be attached to one,
two, or more distinct polycationic segments. To allow a silicone
segment or a hydrophilic segment to attach to a polycationic
segment, the silicone segment or hydrophilic segment can be
functionalized (e.g., at a terminal end) to allow reaction with an
amine group of the polycationic segment.
[0010] Polycationic segments that are utilized in copolymer
embodiments include aliphatic amine polymer segments, which can
include at least one of polyalkyleneimine, polyvinylamine,
polyallylamine, polydiallylamine, and copolymers thereof. For
example, a polyalkyleneimine segment that is used as part of the
copolymer can comprise a repeat unit represented by Structural
Formula (Ia):
##STR00001##
wherein n is an integer from about 2 to about 10. A1 can be at
least one of a hydrogen atom, a silicone segment, and a hydrophilic
segment. In some embodiments, n is from about 2 to about 5. In
other embodiments, the polyalkyleneimine segment is a
polyethyleneimine segment. The polycationic segments can be linear
or branched. Branched polycationic segments, such as aliphatic
amine polymer segments, can have a degree of branching below a
designated value such as about 0.33. The polycationic segments can
have an average molecular weight greater than 100,000 Daltons, or
the average molecular weight can be in a range between about 10,000
Daltons and 2,000,000 Daltons, or the average molecular weight can
be in a range between about 100,000 Daltons and 500,000
Daltons.
[0011] Different types of silicone segments can be utilized with
the various copolymers consistent with embodiments of the
invention. For example, one or more silicone segments can include a
polymer segment having a repeat unit represented by Structural
Formula (II):
##STR00002##
where each R1 group is independently a hydrocarbyl group containing
1 to 6 carbon atoms, a hydrogen, or a hydroxyl group. In another
embodiment, the hydrocarbyl group of R1 can be at least one of an
alkyl group with 1 to 4 carbons, phenyl, and vinyl. In another
embodiment, each R1 group is independently at least one of
hydrogen, phenyl, and methyl. In some embodiments, the silicone
segments have an average molecular weight between about 500 Daltons
and 10,000 Daltons, or between about 500 Daltons and about 2,000
Daltons. Some embodiments include a plurality of softening segments
that are each functionalized to attach to only one polycationic
segment. Such single point attached softening segments can impart a
softness to the hair, when the copolymer is applied thereto. In
some embodiments, the softening segments include single point
attached silicone segments. Such silicone segments can have an
average molecular weight greater than about 3,000 Daltons.
[0012] Hydrophilic segments that can be utilized with embodiments
of the invention include a variety of polymeric segments that can
be substantially non-ionic. For instance, the hydrophilic segment
can include segments from a monomer comprising at least one of a
sugar and a hydroxide group. In some embodiments, the hydrophilic
segments include a polymeric segment having a repeat unit of a
polyalkylene oxide, such as a polyethylene oxide or polypropylene
oxide repeat unit. Hydrophilic segments, such as polyalkylene
oxides, can have an average molecular weight between about 300
Daltons and about 100,000 Daltons, or between about 500 Daltons,
and about 5,000 Daltons.
[0013] Other embodiments of the invention are directed to
hair-treating compositions. The compositions can include a polymer
mixture comprising one or more of the copolymers disclosed in the
present application. Such compositions can be formulated as a hair
treating composition (e.g., a conditioner or 2-in-1
shampoo/conditioner composition). The polymer mixture can include
an aqueous solvent, a non-aqueous solvent, or a mixture of aqueous
and non-aqueous solvents. In some embodiments, such treatment
solutions can include one or more other components such as a UV
blocker, a dye, an optical brightening agent, a thickener, a
deposition agent, a cleansing agent (e.g., a shampooing agent), a
hindered amine light stabilizer, or a fragrance material. These
other components can be separate components from the copolymer, or
one or more of the components can bind to a section of the
copolymer. For example, a polycationic segment of a copolymer can
include a repeat unit having Structural Formula (Ib):
##STR00003##
wherein n can be any of the values disclosed for Structural Formula
(Ia); and A2 can be at least one of a UV blocker, a dye, an optical
brightening agent, a thickener, a deposition agent, a hindered
amine light stabilizer, and a fragrance material. Treating
compositions can generally include the copolymer in a concentration
range from about 1 part per million to about 40% by weight of the
entire mixture.
[0014] The copolymer can be applied in a variety of manners. In
some embodiments, a polymer mixture, which can be aqueous,
non-aqueous, or a combination thereof, is formed with the
copolymer. The polymer mixture is contacted with the hair to apply
the copolymer thereto. In other embodiments, the copolymer is
applied by forming the copolymer in the vicinity of the hair.
Polycations can be applied to the hair that can have properties
consistent with polycationic segments of the copolymer (e.g., a
branched polycation such as polyethyleneimine). Subsequently, a
mixture including silicone polymers can be introduced, where the
silicone polymers can have one or more functionalities for binding
to an amine group of one or more polycations. The silicone polymer
can be reacted with an amine group to form the copolymer. For
example, heat can be introduced to drive the reaction of the amine
group with a polymer having a functionality to induce binding. A
hydrophilic polymer, consistent with one or more of the properties
of hydrophilic segments disclosed herein, can also, or
alternatively, be reacted with an amine group of a polycation to
cause attachment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and
compositions for enhancing the softness of hair giving it a
conditioning effect. Some embodiments include the use of a polymer
that can be exposed to hair to augment its softness. Such
embodiments include polymers that are dispersible in an aqueous
solution (e.g., the polymers do not form an emulsion). Other
polymers, in accord with embodiments of the invention, can be
delivered in a non-aqueous solution or a mixture of aqueous and
non-aqueous solutions. As well, in some embodiments, the
compositions can be easily synthesized using commercially-available
starting materials, avoiding excessive costs of requiring expensive
chemical precursors and/or manufacturing equipment.
[0016] As utilized within the present application, the term
"polymer" refers to a molecule comprising a plurality of repeat
units or monomers. A polymer can comprise one or more distinct
repeat units. For example, a "copolymer" refers to a polymer having
two or more distinct repeat units. Repeat units can be arranged in
a variety of manners. For example, a homopolymer refers to a
polymer with one type of repeat unit where the repeat units are
adjacently connected. In another example, a plurality of different
repeat units can be assembled as a copolymer. If A represents one
repeat unit and B represents another repeat unit, copolymers can be
represented as blocks of joined units (e.g., A-A-A-A-A-A . . .
B-B-B-B-B-B . . . ) or interstitially spaced units (e.g.,
A-B-A-B-A-B . . . or A-A-B-A-A-B-A-A-B . . . ), or randomly
arranged units. Of course, these representations can be made with 3
or more types of repeat units as well. In general, polymers (e.g.,
homopolymers or copolymers) include macromolecules in a broad range
of configurations (e.g., cross-linked, linear, and/or branched). A
"highly-branched polymer" refers to a branched and/or cross-linked
polymer where the molecule has a tendency to form a
three-dimensional space filling structure. For example, a
highly-branched polymer can have a configuration where the ratio of
the number of branches with each of its ends connected to
cross-linkages and/or branch points to the number of branches
having a free end is greater than some designated value (e.g.,
greater than about 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.50, 2.0, or
5.0). The polymer can be disposed in a variety of mixture
dispositions such as solutions, melts, and/or gels. A gel refers to
a state where a mixture of polymer and liquid has at least some
properties that make the mixture behave more like a solid than a
viscous liquid (e.g., the mixture exhibits elasticity). Various
embodiments described herein are directed to compositions, or use
thereof, that include a polymer having one or more of the specific
properties discussed above.
[0017] As utilized in the present application, the term "segment"
refers to a portion of a copolymer molecule. In many instances, the
segments can be polymeric segments (i.e., portions or the entirety
of a polymer) that are reacted with other segments to form the
copolymer molecule.
Copolymers for Treating Hair
[0018] Some illustrative embodiments are directed to a copolymer
that can be applied to hair. Such copolymers can impart and/or
maintain a degree of conditioning or softness in the hair. The
copolymer can comprise a plurality of polycationic segments. Each
polycationic segment can be at least a portion of a polymer having
a plurality of repeat units, with each repeat unit including at
least one amine group. It is understood, however, that a
multiplicity of amine groups associated with a repeat unit can also
be used. Polycationic segments can be bound to a plurality of other
types of segments, as revealed in the present application, to form
the copolymer.
[0019] In some embodiments, the copolymer can comprise a plurality
of polycationic segments, in various forms as disclosed throughout
the present application, and a plurality of silicone segments, such
as a plurality of portions of one or more types of silicone
polymers. Each silicone segment can be attached (e.g., bonded) to
at least one polycationic segment. For example, each of the silicon
segments can be attached to a polycationic segment at an amine
group of the polycationic segment.
[0020] In some particular embodiments, each silicone segment can be
attached to at least two distinct polycationic segments (i.e., each
polycationic segment has a distinct backbone relative the other
polycationic segments). The latter embodiments can promote the
formation of a highly-branched copolymer molecule, with the
silicone segments acting as hydrophobic connectors between the
polycationic segments. Though the copolymer can take on any
molecular weight value, in some embodiments the average molecular
weight of the copolymer can be large when the copolymer forms a
highly-branched structure. For example, the average molecular
weight of a copolymer can be greater than about 200,000 Daltons,
greater than about 750,000 Daltons, greater than about 1,000,000
Daltons, or greater than about 3,000,000 Daltons. Without
necessarily being bound by any particular theory, it is believed
that larger molecular weight copolymers can generally provide
better substantivity to the hair relative to known conditioning
compositions for treating hair.
[0021] Measurement of the average molecular weights for any polymer
discussed herein can be with respect to a number of bases. For
example, can be number averaged, weight averaged, or averaged based
on some other weighting factors. As well, the techniques utilized
to determine molecular weight can include the range of those known
to those skilled in the art. Examples include gel permeation
chromatography and light-scattering.
[0022] Without necessarily being bound by theory, it is believed
that when hairs are contacted with a copolymer mixture, consistent
with embodiments described herein, the polycationic segments tend
to assemble onto the hair surface through electrostatic
interactions. For example, when the polycationic segment includes a
portion of a polyalkyleneimine, the residual charge density of the
amine groups on the backbone are conjectured to interact with the
hair surface, and induce assemblage thereon. In some instances, it
is believed that the polycationic segments can form
crystalline-like domains, which can substantially improve the
affinity between the copolymer and a hair surface. Furthermore, it
is believed that copolymers can be in the form of a highly-branched
copolymer molecule, which can be readily deposited from a copolymer
mixture to a hair surface, thereby providing additional
stability/affinity for the copolymer on the surface. Accordingly,
some embodiments that include the highly branched copolymer
molecule can form a conditioner that allows hair to be exposed to
multiple washings without losing the conditioning effect imparted
by the copolymer. As well, embodiments can also include the ability
to maintain any of the advantageous properties discussed herein
with respect to hair treatment after one or more washings after the
copolymer is applied.
[0023] Again, without limiting the scope of the present invention,
it is believed that the silicone segments can impart desirable
softness and to some extent water repellency and/or oil repellency
properties. As well, it is believed that the silicone segments can
improve the copolymer's tendency to exhaust from a mixture (i.e.,
lower concentrations of polymer in the polymer mixture can be
utilized to treat hair when the polymer is soluble in the mixture
but close to coming out of solution).
[0024] A variety of polycationic segments can be utilized with
various embodiments that include one or more of the copolymers
described herein. Polycationic segments can be naturally occurring
macromolecules with amine groups such as chitosan, or various types
of synthetic polymers (e.g., copolymers) bearing amine groups. In
some embodiments, the plurality of polycationic segments can
include one or more aliphatic amine polymer segments. Aliphatic
amine polymers include aliphatic polymers having one or more amine
groups in each of a repeat unit of the polymer. Non-limiting
examples of aliphatic amine polymers include polyalkyleneimine,
polyvinylamine, polyallylamine, and polydiallylamine. Aliphatic
amine polymers can also include copolymers having repeat units of
different types of aliphatic amine homopolymers, such as copolymer
utilizing repeat units of the examples of aliphatic amine
polymers.
[0025] Consistent with embodiments disclosed herein, polycationic
species bearing a multiplicity of secondary amines (e.g.,
polyalkyleneimines) can be reacted with other segments at the
secondary amine locations to connect distinct polycationic
segments. This can help promote formation of a highly-branched
copolymer molecule. It is understood, however, that some segments,
such as silicone segments and hydrophilic segments, can form loops
along a single polycationic segment of the copolymers as well.
Though the presence of secondary amines can promote the formation
of copolymers consistent with embodiments disclosed herein, it is
generally understood that the amine groups of a polycationic
segment can include primary, secondary, tertiary, or quaternary
amines. For example, the presence of some quaternary amine groups
can help promote dispersion of a copolymer in an aqueous
solvent.
[0026] For embodiments utilizing a polyalkyleneimine segment, the
segment can include a repeat unit having Structural Formula
(Ia):
##STR00004##
where n is an integer from about 2 to about 10. Alternatively, n
can be an integer from about 2 to about 5. In another alternative,
Structural Formula (Ia) is a repeat unit for a polyethyleneimine
(i.e., n is 2). A1 can be at least one of a hydrogen atom, a
silicone segment, a hydrophilic segment, a UV blocker, a dye, an
optical brightening agent, a thickener, a deposition agent, a
hindered amine light stabilizer, and a fragrance material. In a
particular embodiment, A1 can be at least one of a hydrogen atom, a
silicone segment, and a hydrophilic segment. In another particular
embodiment, A1 can be at least one of a hydrogen atom and a
silicone segment.
[0027] Polycationic segments employed with various embodiments can
have a variety of molecular weights and molecular weight ranges. In
general, a desirable molecular weight range for the polycationic
segments is large enough to promote branch formation of the
copolymer and small enough such that the polycationic segment can
be dispersed in a solvent without undue effort. For example, in
some embodiments, the polycationic segments (e.g.,
polyalkyleneimines such as polyethyleneimine) can have an average
molecular weight greater than about 100,000 Daltons. In some other
embodiments, the polycationic segments (e.g., polyalkyleneimines
such as polyethyleneimine) have an average molecular weight between
about 10,000 Daltons and about 2,000,000 Daltons, or between about
100,000 Daltons and about 500,000 Daltons.
[0028] Generally, polycationic segments (e.g., polyalkyleneimine
segments such as polyethyleneimine) can be either linear or
branched to various degrees. In some embodiments, the polycationic
segment has a degree of branching in a particular range. The degree
of branching along a linear backbone portion of a polymer is
defined herein as the number of branching side chains coming off
that linear backbone portion divided by the total number of
possible branches that can potentially come off that linear
backbone portion. Accordingly, the degree of branching is a value
between 0 and 1, with 0 corresponding to the portion being
completely linear and 1 corresponding to the portion being
completely substituted with side branches. Herein, the degree of
branching can be with respect to any chosen linear portion of a
polymer segment (e.g., the longest linear portion of a branched
polymer segment). As well, when referring to the degree of
branching off a polymer segment herein, the branching is measured
with respect to the number of branches that are of the same
character as the polymer segment. For example, in calculating the
degree of branching of a polycationic segment, side chains
connected to the segment that are of a different chemical nature,
such as a silicone segment or a hydrophilic segment, are not
considered.
[0029] In some embodiments, copolymers having polycationic segments
with low degrees of branching are employed. For example, a
plurality of the polycationic segments (e.g., polyalkyleneimines
such as polyethyleneimine) have a degree of branching lower than
about 0.33, or lower than about 0.10, or lower than about 0.05, or
lower than about 0.01. In one embodiment, the polycationic segment
is approximately or substantially linear, i.e., the degree of
branching approaches zero. The degree of branching can be with
respect to any linear branch of a branched polycationic segment
such as the longest linear branch. Without being bound by theory,
it is believed that polycationic segments that are more linear can
improve the affinity of the copolymer for a hair surface by
promoting the tendency for the copolymer to form crystalline
domains. As well, more branched polycationic segments can result in
segment conformations that decrease the accessibility of silicone
segments, and other copolymer components, to reach amine groups of
the polycationic segment for reaction and binding. As a result, the
overall branching of the copolymer can be decreased, resulting in
potentially less affinity and/or stability of the copolymer with a
hair surface when the formed copolymer is delivered as a mixture to
the hair surface.
[0030] Within the scope of some embodiments of the invention,
different types of silicone segments can be utilized with the
copolymers discussed herein. In some embodiments, a silicone
segment can be a polymeric segment. Such polymeric segments can
include a repeat unit represented by Structural Formula (II):
##STR00005##
where each R1 in Structural Formula (II) is independently a
substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group, a hydrogen, or a
hydroxyl group. Hydrocarbyl groups that can be utilized include
both aliphatic and aromatic groups that can be optionally
substituted with another aliphatic functionality and/or a
heteroatom functionality (e.g., any combination of sulfur, oxygen,
or nitrogen). Hydrocarbyl groups can include any number of carbon
atoms such as 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples of
hydrocarbyl groups include a vinyl group; a substituted or
unsubstituted phenyl group, such as unsubstituted phenyl and phenyl
substituted at one or more positions with methyl, ethyl, or propyl;
and substituted or unsubstituted alkyl groups, such as alkyl groups
with 1 to 4 carbons, or more particularly methyl or ethyl.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, each R1 can independently be a
hydrocarbyl group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a hydrogen, or a
hydroxyl group; or each R1 can independently be an alkyl group with
1 to 4 carbon atoms, phenyl, vinyl, or hydrogen; or each R1 can
independently be hydrogen, phenyl, or methyl. In a particular
embodiment, the silicone segments can include one or more
polydimethylsiloxane ("PDMS") segments.
[0031] Generally, the silicone segments can include one or more
functional groups for reacting with a portion of a polycationic
segment to produce attachment during copolymer synthesis. Such
functional group(s) can be located at a terminal end of a silicone
segment, or in the neighborhood of a terminal end, or anywhere
within the silicone segment. In one embodiment, a silicone segment
can include an amine-reacting functionality at each of two terminal
ends of the silicone segment. Such a segment can be used to attach
each of the functionalized ends to a distinct polycationic segment,
which can be beneficial for forming a highly-branched copolymer
molecule. Other silicone segment embodiments can utilize three or
more functional groups such that a silicone segment can bind in
more than two places with one or more polycationic segments.
[0032] The chemical nature of the functional group of a silicone
segment can be selected to allow reaction between the functional
group and a site on a polycationic segment. In some embodiments,
the functional group is selected to allow reaction with an amine
group of a polycationic segment. Non-limiting examples of such
functional groups include epoxides, isocynates, alkyl halides
(e.g., methylchloryls), anhydrides, and other amine-reacting
functional groups known to those skilled in the art.
[0033] The silicone segments, which can be used with copolymers
consistent with embodiments revealed in the present application,
can span a variety of sizes and structures. For instance, the
silicone segments can be branched or linear, and can have a variety
of molecular weights. In general, the molecular weight of the
silicone segments can be selected to alter the end properties of
the copolymer (e.g., ability to exhaust from a mixture; ability to
impart softness). In some embodiments, the average molecular weight
of the silicone segments (e.g., PDMS segments) is between about 500
Daltons and about 10,000 Daltons, or between about 500 Daltons and
2,000 Daltons.
[0034] In some particular embodiments, the copolymer includes a
plurality of monofunctionalized softening segments, which can be
attached at the functionalization location to a polycationic
segment, for instance at an amine group of the polycationic
segment. As an example, a copolymer can include both
multifunctionalized silicone segments and monofunctionalized
silicone segments attached to one or more polycationic segments.
The presence of the monofunctionalized softening segments can help
impart an enhanced "softness" quality to treated hair. Softening
segments include polymeric segments that have a low T.sub.g (e.g.,
polymeric segments with a T.sub.g lower than about 30.degree. C.,
or lower than the polycationic segments). Examples of softening
segments include rubbers such as polyisoprene, and
monofunctionalized silicone segments. Types of silicone segments
and functionalities that can be used in these embodiments include
the silicone segments and functionalities previously described. In
one particular embodiment, the silicone segments (e.g., PDMS
segments) utilized have an average molecular weight greater than
about 3,000 Daltons.
[0035] For the various copolymers revealed within the present
application, embodiments including the copolymer can comprise a
plurality of hydrophilic segments. For example, the copolymer can
comprise a plurality of polycationic segments, which can have any
of the properties of the polycationic segments revealed in the
present application, along with the hydrophilic segments. In a
particular embodiment, the copolymer comprises a plurality of
polycationic segments and multiple silicone segments, the segments
having any of the properties revealed in the present application,
and the plurality of hydrophilic segments. Each hydrophilic segment
can be attached to one, two, or more distinct polycationic
segments, for example at an amine group of the polycationic
segment. When the hydrophilic segment is selected to allow
attachment to two or more distinct polycationic segments, the
hydrophilic segment can aid in branching of the copolymer.
Accordingly, the average molecular weight of such copolymers can be
greater than about 200,000 Daltons, about 750,000 Daltons, about
1,000,000 Daltons, or about 3,000,000 Daltons. Without necessarily
being bound to any particular theory, it is believed that the
presence of the hydrophilic segments can aid in the solubility and
dispersibility of the copolymer in aqueous solutions, providing
potentially better dispersibility of the composition relative to
other known agents.
[0036] The types of hydrophilic segments that can be utilized
include, typically, polymeric segments that enhance the
dispersibility of the copolymer in aqueous mixtures. For instance,
the hydrophilic segments can be substantially non-ionic, having
limited charge or substantially no charge, such as to limit
interference with the polycationic segments. Non-limiting examples
of hydrophilic segments include sugar-based polymers such as
hydroxypropyl cellulose, dextran polymers and their derivatives,
and other polysaccharides or carbohydrates; polyethers such as
polyalkylene oxides like polypropylene oxide and polyethylene
oxide; polymers having hydroxide containing repeat units such as
polyvinyl alcohol; polyvinyl pyrrolidone; and other polymer
segments with the desired properties as known to those skilled in
the art. In some embodiments, hydrophilic segments can include
copolymers with one or more repeat units that are utilized in a
sugar-based polymer and/or a polyether.
[0037] In some embodiments, the hydrophilic segments include repeat
units from a polyether, or the segments are substantially one or
more polyether segments. In some particular embodiments, the
polyethers include a polyalkylene oxide based polymer. Such a
polymer can include repeat units represented by Structural Formula
(III):
##STR00006##
where each R2 is independently a hydrogen, or a substituted or
unsubstituted aliphatic group. Potential substitutions include
another aliphatic functionality and/or a heteroatom functionality.
In some embodiments, each R2 is independently a hydrogen, or an
optionally substituted saturated aliphatic group with 1 to 6 carbon
atoms, or 1 to 3 carbon atoms. In one particular embodiment, each
R2 is independently a hydrogen or a methyl. For example, the
hydrophilic segment can comprise a polyethylene oxide segment, a
polypropylene oxide segment, or a copolymer having a mixture of
both segments.
[0038] Generally, the hydrophilic segments can include one or more
functional groups for reacting with a portion of a polycationic
segment to produce attachment during copolymer synthesis. Such
functional group(s) can be located at a terminal end of a
hydrophilic segment, or in the neighborhood of a terminal end, or
anywhere within the hydrophilic segment. In one embodiment, the
functionality is an amine-reacting functionality at one or two
terminal ends of the hydrophilic segment. Hydrophilic segments with
two amine-connecting functionalities can be used to attach each of
the functionalized locations to two distinct polycationic segments,
which can enhance copolymer branching. Of course, more than two
functionalities per hydrophilic segment can be used.
[0039] Functionalizations for hydrophilic segments typically are
selected to allow attachment of the hydrophilic segment to a
polycationic segment (e.g., an amine-reacting functionalization).
Non-limiting examples of such functional groups include epoxides,
isocynates, alkyl halides (e.g., methylchloryls), anhydrides, and
other amine-reacting functional groups known to those skilled in
the art.
[0040] Hydrophilic segments embodied as polymer segments can
include polymer segments that are linear or branched to various
degrees. Hydrophilic segments can also have a variety of molecular
weights. In some embodiments, the molecular weights are selected to
promote copolymer solubility in aqueous mixtures. For example,
hydrophilic segments (e.g., polypropylene oxide or polyethylene
oxide) can have an average molecular weight between about 300
Daltons and 100,000 Daltons, and between about 500 Daltons and
about 5,000 Daltons.
[0041] Copolymers can be formulated such that a proportion of amine
groups associated with a plurality of polycationic segments are
bound to selected substituents. Though the proportion of amine
groups that are bound to selected substituents can be any
percentage, in some embodiments the proportion of amine groups
reacted are sufficient such that the copolymer can provide softness
and an affinity to the hair. For example, the proportion of amine
groups can be greater than about 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%,
35%, 40%, or 50% of all amine groups of the polycationic segments.
In particular embodiments, the proportion of selectively bound
amine groups of the polycationic segments (e.g., polycationic
segments with a particular degree of branching such as less than
about 0.33, or other ranges disclosed herein) can be between about
2% and about 40%, or between about 3% and about 35%, of all the
amine groups of the polycationic segments. Selected substituents
can include a variety of substituents. In some embodiments, the
selected substituents are silicone segments, hydrophilic segments,
other substituents as described herein (e.g., UV blockers, dyes,
deposition agents, etc.) and/or known to those skilled in the art,
or any combination of such substituents. In some particular
embodiments, the selected substituents include at least one of
silicone segments and hydrophilic segments.
[0042] Some of the copolymers described herein can be formed from a
single step synthesis. For example, polycationic polymers
corresponding to the polycationic segments can be mixed with
silicone polymers corresponding to the silicone segments in a
single vessel to form the copolymer molecules. Ins some instances,
some or all of the precursors are commercially available materials.
In addition, other components such hydrophilic polymers
corresponding to any of the hydrophilic segments disclosed herein
and/or UV blockers, dyes, and other materials can also be added to
a single vessel. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention can
include a mixture of the precursors that will eventually form any
of the copolymers of the present application, or intermediate
copolymers thereof. Alternatively, separate steps can also be
utilized if desired. Those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate modifications in these steps to form the copolymers of
the present application. Such modifications are all within the
scope of the present application.
Copolymer Dispersion Properties
[0043] In accord with embodiments of the invention disclosed
herein, the copolymers discussed herein can be formulated to be
dispersible in an aqueous solution, a non-aqueous solution, or a
mixture of aqueous and non-aqueous solutions. For example,
copolymers having a plurality of polycationic segments and silicone
segments can be dispersible in aqueous solutions, non-aqueous
solutions, or a combination of both. In some embodiments, such
copolymers do not require the presence of a hydrophilic segment for
dispersibility in non-aqueous solutions or solutions formed from a
mixture of aqueous and non-aqueous dispersions (e.g., aqueous
solution with isopropyl alcohol). These copolymers can also be
dispersed in an aqueous solution which has been acidified to add
charge on the polymer and enhance aqueous solution dispersibility.
For example, a copolymer solution with less than about 2% (w/v) of
copolymer can be acidified to a level with a pH less than about 9
to allow dispersal of a copolymer having substantially linear
polycationic segments such as polyethyleneimine. Copolymers with a
plurality of polycationic segments, silicone segments, and
hydrophilic segments can be dispersed in aqueous solutions. Without
being bound by theory, it is believed that the presence of
hydrophilic segments can help improve the copolymer's
dispersibility in aqueous environments.
[0044] Though polymer mixtures having any of the copolymers
disclosed herein can have a variety of concentrations and
concentration ranges, in some embodiments a range of concentration
is selected to allow the copolymer to be dispersed in a dispersion
medium. For example, when the copolymer can be stored as a gelled
material in some instances, it can be advantageous to limit the
concentration of the copolymer in a dispersion medium such that
dilution of the copolymer to form a non-gelled solution can be
performed without substantial undue effort. In some examples, the
polymer mixture can have a concentration of copolymer less than
about 50%, or less than about 40%, or less than about 30% by
weight. As well, the concentration range of a mixture can be chosen
to provide sufficient copolymer to allow the copolymer to be
applied to hair and impart or maintain a property (e.g., softness).
The polymer mixture can have a concentration of copolymer greater
than about 1 part per million, or greater than about 1 part per
100,000, or greater than about 1 part per 1,000 by weight. In some
embodiments, the concentration of copolymer in a polymer mixture
can be in a range between about 1 part per million and about 50% by
weight, or between about 1 part per million and about 40% by
weight.
[0045] In some embodiments, a polymer mixture having a copolymer,
as disclosed herein, is prepared such that the copolymer does not
form a gel in the mixture. Such non-gelled polymer solutions can be
utilized to apply the copolymer to hair by contacting the solution
to the hair; the solid-like properties of gelled materials can
substantially hinder copolymer delivery to the hair. In some
embodiments, the polymer mixture can have a concentration such that
the copolymer does not form a gel, and can exhaust from the
non-gelled solution readily for application to hair. For instance,
the concentration of copolymer can be just below the gelation point
(e.g., less than about 5%, or less than about 2%, or less than
about 1% by weight of the solution). In some embodiments, the
concentration of a copolymer (e.g., having polyethyleneimine
segments connected by silicone segments and polyalkylene oxide
segments) is about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of the solution.
[0046] The various copolymers disclosed herein can be utilized with
other components to provide a treatment composition for hair. Such
a treatment can impart and/or maintain a level of softness to the
hair. The hair treatment composition can additionally be a hair
conditioner, a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner, or other hair
treatment composition. In such a capacity, the hair treatment
composition can include one or more additional components to impart
additional properties to treated hair or the composition. Such
components can include UV blockers, dyes, optical brightening
agents, thickeners, deposition agents, hair cleansing agents,
hindered amine light stabilizers, and fragrance materials. For
instance, a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner would include a
cleansing agent as a component, such as various types of
surfactants. These components include the range of such materials
as known to those skilled in the art. Types of UV blockers that can
be utilized include cinnamic acid, vanillin, benzophenone,
benzotraizole, and hydroxyphynyl triazine. Types of dyes include
textile dyes, food dyes, reactive dyes, and those typically used in
formulations known to the skilled artisan. Optical brightening
agents, such as fluorescent whitening agents, are commercially
available from manufacturers (e.g., Ciba.RTM., Uvitex.RTM., OB, and
Durawhite from Town End). Thickeners that can be utilized include
polymers such as cellulosics and/or polysaccharides. Deposition
aids generally include materials which can aid in putting the
copolymer on hair (e.g., other polycations). Fragrances that can be
used include all those compatible with hair treatment products. In
some embodiments, components can be added to the treatment
composition as separate components that are not directly bonded to
the copolymer.
[0047] Any one of the additional components can be attached to the
copolymer directly, which can potentially aid in the component's
delivery and/or substantivity to the hair. In some embodiments, one
or more of the additional components are bound to a portion of the
polycationic segment such as an amine group of a polycationic
segment. In some particular embodiments, the polycationic segments
can include a repeat unit having Structural Formula (Ib):
##STR00007##
where n is an integer between about 2 and about 10; or between
about 2 and about 5; or n is 2. A2 can be an additional component
that enhances a treatment composition without significantly
affecting the softness or substantivity of the copolymer. In some
embodiments, A2 can be at least one of a UV blocker, a dye, an
optical brightening agent, a thickener, a deposition agent, a
hindered amine light stabilizer, and a fragrance material. In other
embodiments, A2 is at least one of a UV blocker, a dye, a
thickener, and a deposition agent.
Methods for Treating Hair
[0048] Some embodiments are directed to methods of using any of the
copolymers revealed within the present application. For instance,
one embodiment is generally directed to a method of treating hair.
Such a method includes a step of applying a copolymer to hair to
impart softness. The copolymers that can be utilized include one or
more of the copolymers disclosed in the present application. For
example, the copolymer can comprise a plurality of polycationic
segments and silicone segments, or a plurality of polycationic
segments, silicone segments, and hydrophilic segments as described
within the present application. Such an embodiment can provide any
number of properties to hair as discussed in the present
application, e.g., imparting softness to hair.
[0049] Application of the copolymer can be performed in a variety
of manners. In some embodiments, the copolymer can be a portion of
a polymer mixture such as a non-gelled polymer solution. The
dispersion media can be aqueous (e.g., acidified aqueous),
non-aqueous, or a mixture of both. The hair can be contacted with
the polymer mixture (e.g., immersion, spraying, or other technique
of solution/substrate contact), which can apply the copolymer to
the hair. Such mixtures can have any of the properties disclosed
for copolymer mixtures herein. The copolymer can adhere to the hair
through a variety of interactions such as electrostatic attraction.
In the latter instance, a crosslinking agent can be added to the
polymer solution, or applied to the hair after contacting the
polymer solution with hair, to initiate bonding with the
copolymer.
[0050] In other embodiments, the copolymer is applied to a hair by
forming the copolymer in the presence of the hair. For instance, a
plurality of polycations can be applied to the hair. Such
polycations can include any of the polycations disclosed herein for
use with the copolymers. A mixture of silicone polymers can be
subsequently introduced. The silicone polymers can have any of the
properties disclosed for silicone segments herein (e.g., each
silicone polymer having one, two, or more functionalities for
reacting with an amine group to attach to a polycation). Each
silicone polymer can react and attach to a polycation to help form
the copolymer. In some cases, heat can be applied to induce the
copolymer formation (e.g., heating one or more of the mixtures
and/or the hair).
[0051] Copolymer formation in the vicinity of hair can be
associated with potential advantages. For instance, forming a
branched copolymer on the surface of the hair can help alleviate
the labor associated with processing highly-branched, high
molecular weight polymer mixtures, which can have a tendency to
gel. Polymer solutions with the polycations, and/or polymer
solutions with the silicones can potentially be easier to handle,
and may avoid the complications of needing to utilize a polymer
solution that is close to its gel point. In another instance,
copolymer formation in the vicinity of hair can ease the use of
particular copolymer compositions. For example, copolymers that
include branched polycationic segments can be difficult to apply as
the copolymer molecule to hair due to effects such as potential
decreased affinity relative to using more linear polycationic
segments in a formed copolymer. By applying the branched
polycations first (e.g., branched polyethyleneimine) and then
reacting with other segments to form the copolymer, the application
of such copolymers can be performed more readily.
[0052] Potentially, any of the copolymers disclosed in the present
application can be formed in the presence of hair. For example, the
copolymer can also include hydrophilic segments, such as any of the
types disclosed herein (e.g., with amine reacting functionalities).
The hydrophilic segments can be formed from corresponding
hydrophilic polymers that can be part of the silicone polymer
mixture, or applied as a separate mixture. As well, other
components such as UV blockers, optical enhancing agents,
thickeners, etc., can be added (e.g., with any of the previously
mentioned mixtures, or as one or more other separate mixtures).
[0053] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that any
number of additional steps, and the order in which the steps are
carried out, can be modified within the scope of the methods
disclosed herein. All such alterations are within the scope of the
present application.
EXAMPLES
[0054] The following examples are provided to illustrate some
aspects of the present application. The examples, however, are not
meant to limit the practice of any embodiment of the invention.
Synthetic Procedures
Synthesis 1: "Linear" Polyethyleneimine ("LPEI")
[0055] Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (Sigma Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.;
catalog no. 373974) was deacetylated by refluxing in 6M HCl
overnight to yield a LPEI with a molecular weight of about 215,000
Daltons.
Synthesis 2: LPEI/PDMS Copolymer
[0056] Poly(dimethylsiloxane) ("PDMS"), having a molecular weight
of about 980 Daltons and being diglycidyl ether terminated (Sigmal
Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.; catalog no. 480282), was mixed with LPEI,
produced using Synthesis 1, in a thick-walled glass flask with
isopropyl alcohol ("IPA"). The amounts of each component for making
Sample A1 are shown in Table 1. The flask was heated to 150.degree.
C. and kept at that temperature for 18 hours. The resulting polymer
solution was then concentrated to 20% (w/v) using a Roto-Vap.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Sample Si1KDi (g) LPEI (g) IPA (mL) A1 4.20
1.80 200.0
Synthesis 3: LPEI/PPO/PDMS Copolymer
[0057] Sample B1 of LPEI/PPO/PDMS copolymer were prepared from
starting materials as listed in Table 2. For the sample, LPEI and
PDMS, as described for Synthesis 2, were mixed with poly(propylene
glycol) ("PPO"), having a molecular weight of about 640 Daltons and
being diglycidyl ether terminated (Sigma Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.;
catalog no. 406740), in a thick-walled glass flask with IPA. The
flask was heated to 150.degree. C. and kept at that temperature for
18 hours. The resulting polymer solution was then concentrated to
20% (w/v) using a Roto-Vap.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 LPEI Si1KDi PPO IPA Sample (g) (g) (g) (mL)
B1 1.8 4.0 0.20 200.0
Synthesis 4: LPEI//Bifunctional and Monofunctional Silicone
Copolymer
[0058] Copolymer samples C1-C4 were produced from starting
materials as listed in Table 3. For each sample, LPEI and PDMS, as
described in Synthesis 3, were mixed with two other types of PDMS:
an epoxypropoxypropyl, mono-terminated PDMS having a molecular
weight of about 5,000 Daltons (Gelest, Morrisville, Pa.; #DMS-E21);
and a chloromethyl, di-terminated PDMS having a molecular weight of
about 7,000 Daltons (Gelest, Morrisville, Pa.; #DMS-L21). The
components were combined with IPA in a thick-walled glass flask
that was heated to 150.degree. C. and kept at that temperature for
18 hours. The resulting polymer solution was then concentrated to
20% (w/v) using a Roto-Vap.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Si5K Si1KDi Si7KDi LPEI IPA Sample (g) (g)
(g) (g) (mL) C1 0.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 200.0 C2 2.00 0.00 2.00 2.00
200.0 C3 2.00 1.00 1.00 2.00 200.0 C4 1.70 1.50 1.00 1.80 200.0
Synthesis 5: LPEI/PPO/Bifunctional and Monofunctional Silicone
Copolymer
[0059] Copolymer samples D1 was produced from starting materials as
listed in Table 4. For the sample, LPEI, PPO, and three different
types of PDMS, as described in Synthesis 4, were mixed together.
The components were combined with IPA in a thick-walled glass flask
that was heated to 150.degree. C. and kept at that temperature for
18 hours. The resulting polymer solution was then concentrated to
20% (w/v) using a Roto-Vap.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Si5K Si1KDi Si7KDi PPO LPEI IPA Sample (g)
(g) (g) (g) (g) (mL) D1 2.89 3.80 1.70 0.40 1.80 353.0
Application of Samples to Hair
[0060] The samples of 20% polymer/IPA solutions were each diluted
with deionized water to yield a 0.5% solution and a 0.15% solution
(a solution of each concentration was made for each polymer
sample). Swatches of hair were dipped into each of the polymer
solutions for 5 minutes followed by a 1 minute rinse in water. The
samples were then dried with a hair dryer. Half of the hair
swatches were wetted and half were kept dry so that the
comb-ability (which relates to the hair having a conditioned
effect) could be tested in both the wet and dry states.
Comb-ability subjectively accesses how smoothly a comb can be run
through the swatch of hair. Similar effects were seen at each
concentration. The test was repeated in its entirety with the
addition of three shampoo wash steps after polymer treatment and
rinsing to see the effect of washing on the substantivity of the
polymer.
[0061] All of the swatches treated using polymer solutions from
sample sets A and B had a lesser conditioning effect than those
treated from sample sets C and D, but the effect did not lessen
with washing. Sample B was more readily dispersible in water than
sample A.
[0062] Swatches treated using polymer solutions in sample sets C
and D all showed an excellent conditioning effect. All except for
Sample C2 kept this conditioning effect after washing and showed no
decrease in comb-ability. Sample C2 still had some conditioning
effect after washing but it was significantly decreased.
[0063] While the present invention has been described in terms of
specific methods, structures, and devices it is understood that
variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art
upon consideration of the present application. As well, the
features illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment
may be combined with the features of other embodiments. For
example, particular copolymer portions in one embodiment can be
combined with one or more copolymer portions of another embodiment.
Such modifications and variations are intended to be included
within the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine
experimentation, further features and advantages of the invention
based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the
invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown
and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All
publications and references are herein expressly incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
* * * * *